WHY?

It was nothing work-related, no family, friend or boyfriend trouble, it was because I’d just found the most exciting clothing website, and I was quite literally finding it hard to keep my cheeks dry.

I have a weird and quirky sense of style. I’m not talking patchwork trousers weird, or animal hat ‘quirky’, I just have a certain style that I like and I think it’s pretty individual. I love hunting for one off pieces or lesser known shops and labels, which is fortuitous since you’re forced to do that as a plus size person. Not to get too sentimental here, but as someone who can’t shop in the mainstream, it’s hard to be individual. You have to try more. I have no problem with that and I’m not looking for sympathy, but it is difficult to find things in a timely manner, and it usually involves being pretty organised.

For whatever reason I am a plus size. People can say that it’s my fault and that it’s me that should change, not the clothing labels, and that’s fine too. However, no one who has that opinion has ever been able to offer me a solution as to what I’m going to wear in the interim. What do I wear whilst I’m losing weight? You know why no one can offer me a good answer to that question? It’s because there isn’t one. Am I to wander the streets draped in sacking, or should I just give up and wear leggings as trousers and chuck on a hoodie? Most people want to look nice, no matter what their size, and it is beyond me how someone can oppose that.

As much as it sounds shallow, clothes can make me feel good. I know I’m not the only one they have that effect on. That’s why I was so excited when I found eShakti.com . Finally a website that offers well made, interesting clothing for a decent price. It actually reminds me a bit of Anthropologie except not so twee… and I CAN ACTUALLY SHOP THERE. After I’d fallen in love with about 7 dresses I was informed that they do not ship internationally.

What?

Why!?

I penned an email.

Hi,
I’ve just come across your site, and I was taken aback at the beautiful clothing and the range of sizes you supply. I think I mentally spent about $500 buying up lots of your dresses and skirts. Sadly I can’t literally spend that amount of money because you don’t ship to the UK. There is nothing like eShakti available in the UK. Anyone over a certain size has very little choice and certainly nothing like the style and fabric that eShakti has.
I write a style blog (http://www.thesizist.com) and was hoping to be able to feature some of the clothes that I buy off you guys. Are there any plans to add international shipping at any point? I know it can be expensive, but you come to expect that when buying from overseas.
Thanks for your time.
Ros

I’m yet to receive a reply, but I wait with baited breath. I will happily bankrupt myself on this website, and here are the reasons.

Gorgeous shape? Lovely detailing? Tick. Tick.

Detailing? Tick. Look at those pleats! Pleats are all over the catwalk for next season, especially these dainty ones. Gorgeous. I think you could probably go day to night in this dress pretty easily.

The neckline! POCKETS! Pleats! Cute!

This is an interesting stlye. Look at that piping. It’s a flattering style and has a lovely 50s Avon Sales Rep feel to it.

This is an elegant, understated colour block shirtdress. Simple. Great.

Details again! The collar is great. The wrap style flattering, as are the sleeves. This is a great work dress that you could certainly dress up for night time.

I’ve saved the best two until last:

I cannot express how much this dress has to be mine. It. Is. Amazing. I start getting nervous when I see it, that’s how much I love it. I’m like a love-lorn school girl. Will it talk to me? I love it so much, why won’t it be mine? What if it doesn’t like me? OK, so I’ve streched that analogy a little too far, but you get the idea. I like the dress, ok?

This is the kind of dress that will look better on. I’m not a massive fan of the neckline, but the print is beautiful.

So, in summary: WHY DOES THIS AWESOME SHOP EXIST IF I CAN’T BUY FROM IT!? I know I could get it shipped to someone I know in the US and then on to me, but it would be a lot easier and more secure if I could have it sent direct.

Oh, how I agree, I am in Australia and put about $800 worth of clothing in my cart before I realised that they won’t ship here.
So silly, as I would literally go crazy ordering from their site, especially seeing as our dollar is so strong at the moment. I don’t care how much it would cost to ship either. charge me $200 shipping I don’t care…I just want those dresses.

Just found eShakti as well. Am totally in love with most of the dresses on there. Perhaps some of us plussizers should get together and suggest to them a UK franchise?!!!

Luckily I know someone who lives in New York so if push comes to shove I’ll order one and get it delivered there, then pay them to ship it to me. Think I’ll need a lottery win soon. Or a bigger spending limit on my credit card!

I just came across eShakti as well, and was similarly heartbroken to find that they don’t ship to the UK. However, I have found a few of their dresses listed on Amazon – so that might be one way to get hold of their clothing.